In the rugged mountains of Tanay, Rizal, the Dumagat-Remontado families face a growing challenge: traditional livelihoods can no longer sustain their needs, forcing women to step forward as additional breadwinners. As one income proves insufficient, these indigenous families are turning to their cultural heritage-the healing art of hilot-not just as a tradition to preserve, but as an economic lifeline. With proper support and certification, this ancestral practice is becoming a pathway to financial stability, demonstrating how indigenous knowledge, when properly cultivated, can create sustainable opportunities in modern times.
Meet the Dumagat-Remontado: Guardians of the Mountains
The Dumagat-Remontado are one of the Philippines’ indigenous peoples (IP), rooted in the forests and rivers of Tanay. Life here is simple but tough. Most families rely on farming, fishing, or foraging-ways of life passed down for generations. But as times change, these traditions can no longer meet their daily needs.
“We get by with what we find in the mountains, but it’s getting harder,” shares Belia, a community elder. Many children can’t go to school, and families sometimes have to borrow rice just to eat. “There are days when we have to borrow rice from relatives just to feed our children,” says Joaidaliza, a mother of three.
Living in the mountains isn’t just about poverty-it’s about isolation and uncertainty. Roads become impassable during storms, and jobs are scarce. Women like Imee stay home to care for children while their husbands search for work. “During the rainy season, we have no livelihood,” shares Imee. “My dream is for my children to finish school so they won’t have to experience this hardship.”
With only seasonal work available, many families are left worrying about their next meal. “My husband is a farmer, but sometimes his salary comes after two months. We have to borrow just to buy rice,” Joaidaliza adds.
What is Hilot?
Imagine a healing practice where warm hands work in harmony with nature’s gifts-this is hilot, the Dumagat-Remontado’s ancestral therapy. Unlike Western styles of massage, hilot practitioners use banana leaves to detect energy imbalances and heated coconut oil infused with local herbs to release tension. The manghihilot (traditional healer) doesn’t just work muscles; they communicate with the body, sensing blockages and redirecting life energy through gentle manipulations and whispered prayers. This holistic approach treats not just physical pain but also “pasma” (energy imbalance) and “lamig” (cold energy)-concepts unique to Filipino traditional medicine. For generations, this knowledge has been carefully passed from elder to apprentice, preserving techniques that modern science is only beginning to appreciate.
But what if this sacred healing tradition could also be the key to lifting these indigenous families from poverty?
Turning Tradition Into Opportunity
Everything changed when Pure Bayanihan, together with Bangon Pilipino, Tindig Pilipinas Inc. (BPTP), launched the Traditional Hilot Livelihood Project in Tanay. Twenty-six Dumagat-Remontado families joined a 15-day TESDA training on traditional hilot-learning both ancestral techniques and modern approaches to physiotherapy. They received uniforms, massage kits, meals, and transportation-removing barriers to participation.
After training, 23 participants passed the TESDA assessment and became certified massage therapists. With their certificates, they could now work at campsites, resorts, or offer home services, all while offering quality, certified level of service. “Tourists trust us more when we are certified. We can charge better rates and support our children’s education,” says Imee.
For Jean Rose and Mary, both mothers, the impact was immediate. “We can now earn 300 to 600 pesos per hour, plus tips. It helps us support our families and gives us pride in our work.”
Certification has also unlocked bigger dreams. “I can use this if I want to work abroad. It’s important for us to continue the tradition of our ancestors and pass it to the next generation,” shares Joaidaliza.
Everyone Gets a Chance
Pure Bayanihan’s support went beyond skills training. “We made sure everything was free-from the training and assessment, to the meal and transportation allowances. We wanted everyone to have a fair shot, no matter how little they had,” says Nenita Cristobal Eya, BPTP chairperson.
This holistic support erased barriers-money, distance, and self-doubt. Graduates now have jobs, confidence, and hope. They are earning for their families and showing their children that dreams are possible.
Join the Movement
The journey of the Dumagat-Remontado families shows what’s possible when tradition meets opportunity. Pure Bayanihan remains committed to helping more families build better lives, preserve their culture, and break the cycle of poverty.
Let’s turn hope into reality-one healing hand at a time. Support our mission to empower more communities like Tanay. Donate now or become a monthly supporter.
Together, we can help tradition thrive and transform lives for generations to come.
